Energy harvesting, also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging, is the process of capturing and converting ambient energy from various sources into usable electrical energy. This energy can be derived from sources such as light, heat, vibration, or radio frequency (RF) signals.

The concept of energy harvesting has been around for decades, but recent advancements in materials science and electronics have significantly expanded its applications. One of the primary goals of energy harvesting is to provide power for low-power electronic devices, eliminating the need for traditional batteries or power sources in certain applications.

One common example of energy harvesting is the use of solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels capture photons from the sun and convert them into electrical current using photovoltaic cells. This technology is widely used in remote locations, where traditional power sources are not available or practical.

Another example is the use of piezoelectric materials to harvest energy from vibrations or mechanical stress. When these materials are subjected to mechanical deformation, such as bending or stretching, they generate a small electric charge. This charge can be captured and stored for later use.

Energy harvesting has numerous applications across various industries. In the automotive sector, it can be used to power tire pressure monitoring systems or wireless sensors. In the aerospace industry, it can be used to power sensors in aircraft or satellites. In the consumer electronics sector, it can be used to power wearable devices or IoT sensors.

Overall, energy harvesting offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to power electronic devices, reducing the reliance on traditional batteries and contributing to the development of more efficient and self-sustaining technologies.